The Shame That Lies Behind Serial Cheating

Posted on April 16th, 2014

The Shame That Lies Behind Serial CheatingAmber, who felt unloved as a child, is trapped in a cycle of cheating. She’s ashamed of her behavior, yet cheats again and again in order to feel better. By embracing the painful emotions of her past, Amber can learn self-love and self-acceptance and begin to break free from her destructive behavior.

Amber cheated in every relationship, even on her fifth-grade boyfriend. (She kissed another boy in their class while they were “going out.”) Even though most of her affairs are sexual, she says it isn’t about the sex. There’s something about the excitement that comes from getting to know someone new—flirting and chatting and receiving attention. There’s an adrenaline rush. The newness and excitement are compelling and draw her in again and again.

Protecting Your Children Online

Posted on April 2nd, 2014

Protecting Your Children OnlineIn a previous blog we looked at the primary dangers that young people face in the online universe, most notably digital predators, pornography, sexting, and cyberbullying. This week’s blog is focused on the ways in which parents can protect their children from these hazards without restricting their ability to experience all the good that digital technology brings them. 

Young People: Understanding the Online Risks

Posted on April 2nd, 2014

Young People: Understanding the Online RisksIn today’s increasingly digital world, kids interact using digital technology almost constantly. In fact, one prominent study found that texting is now the number one mode of communication for young people, far surpassing in-person interactions and phone calls. Another study found that more than half of American teens log on to a social media site at least once per day, and nearly a quarter log on 10 or more times per day. Yet another study found that kids now spend an average of 11.5 hours per day engaged with digital devices. Many of those hours are spent using two or more technologies simultaneously. As most kids are awake for only 15 or 16 hours per day, somewhere between 71 and 76 percent of the average child’s day is digital.